Shemer Art Center & Museum Expansion
Artistic, Educational and Community Services provided since 1984

The Shemer Art Center and Museum is a “home for the arts.” It serves as a family oriented arts education center and contemporary arts museum. The historic home is nestled in Arcadia, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Phoenix. The Shemer boasts a panoramic view of Camelback Mountain with a touch of nostalgia.

Mission
To provide the community a unique and inviting atmosphere to enjoy, promote, and learn about visual art through exhibitions, classes, and outreach programs.

History
The historic home was first built in 1919 by the Arcadia Water Company in the rural landscape that was once at the foot of Camelback mountain. Several additions to the home such as the bedroom wing and some of the trees in the orchard were added in the mid-twenties.

It was Martha Evvard Shemer who purchased and donated the three-acre lot and historic home to the City of Phoenix. She had two dreams, to preserve the property and to provide an arts education facility and community center for the citizens of Phoenix. In 1984, the City dedicated the facility as the Shemer Art Center and Museum.

Partnership
The Shemer is a unique partnership between the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the Shemer Art Center and Museum Association, Inc. (SACAMA), a nonprofit support group. Each entity works together to support and coordinate the Shemer’s facility and programs.

Exhibitions
The Shemer Art Center and Museum’s range of exhibitions is diverse, including traditional and nontraditional works by Arizona artists. Exhibition opportunities are offered to artists of all levels of experience, media, style and technique. The Center is especially proud to give emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit and make connections in the local arts community.

Sculpture Garden
The grounds, gardens and orchard provide tranquil settings for large scale outdoor sculpture produced by some of Arizona’s premier sculptors. The sculpture garden includes works in bronze, steel, marble, concrete and more. Much of the outdoor collection is on loan by the artists and is for sale.

Collection
The collection includes over 100 works of art by Arizona artists (many of whom have been highlighted in exhibitions over the past 20 years). The collection includes a variety of media including ceramics, sculpture, paintings, prints, watercolor, drawing, photography and even a colonial miniature doll house.